Fact Sheet

The
dwarf lake iris is a threatened species. Threatened species are
animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable
future. Endangered species are animals and plants that are in
danger of becoming extinct. Identifying, protecting, and restoring endangered
and threatened species is the primary objective of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service's endangered species program.

What
is a Dwarf Lake Iris?

Scientific
Name - Iris lacustris

Appearance- Dwarf lake iris is a miniature iris with showy,
deep blue flowers. The flowers are about 1 to 1 1/2
inches in width and 1 1/2 to
2 1/2 inches in height and are
born singly on stems less than 2 inches tall. Leaves are up to 6 inches
long and 2 inches wide and
are flattened, sword-like, and arranged in fan-shaped clusters. Although
flowers are usually blue, lilac or white flowers are sometimes found.

Range - Dwarf lake iris only grows around the Great Lakes and
occurs near the northern shores of Lakes Huron and Michigan in Michigan,
Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.

Habitat - Occurring close to Great Lakes shorelines in cool,
moist lakeshore air, dwarf lake iris is found on sand or in thin soil
over limestone-rich gravel or bedrock. Habitat is along old beach ridges
or behind open dunes. Changing water levels can open new habitat for
the plants.

Reproduction - Dwarf lake iris is a low-growing perennial with
shallow, slender, creeping rhizomes which produce new fans of leaves
at their nodes. It flowers mostly in semi-open habitats with partial
sun. Seeds are rounded capsules about 2 inch long. Flowers appear from mid-May
to early June.

Why
is the Dwarf Lake Iris Threatened?

Habitat Loss or Degradation - The lakeshore habitat of dwarf
lake iris has been greatly reduced by shoreline development. Residential
and vacation homes as well as associated road-widening, chemical spraying
and salting, and off-road vehicle use have caused disturbance and destruction
of habitat.

Collection - An attractive miniature iris, dwarf lake iris has
been known to be offered for sale commercially. Collection from wild
populations could adversely affect the species and may be a violation
of State or Federal laws. Picking the flowers often uproots the plant
and will prevent seeds from forming.

What
is Being Done to Prevent Extinction of the Dwarf Lake Iris?

Listing - Dwarf lake iris was added to the U.S. List of Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife and Plants in 1988.

Recovery Plan - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the
process of developing a recovery plan that describes actions needed
to help this plant survive.

Research - Dwarf lake iris populations have been monitored to
determine long-term population trends and to better understand habitat
and reproductive requirements. Genetic studies have been conducted to
better explain population structure and differences between populations.

Habitat Protection - A variety of government and private conservation
agencies are working to preserve the dwarf lake iris and its habitat.
Voluntary protection agreements have also been made with some private
landowners.

Public Education - Many plants are located on small private
residential lots, and landowner contact programs have been initiated.

What
Can I Do to Help Prevent the Extinction of Species?

Learn - Learn more about dwarf lake iris and other endangered
and threatened species. Understand how the destruction of habitat leads
to loss of endangered and threatened species and our nation=s
plant and animal diversity. Tell others about what you have learned.

Join - Join a conservation group; many have local chapters.

Protect  Protect water quality by minimizing use of lawn
chemicals (i.e., fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides), recycling
used car oil, and properly disposing of paint and other toxic household
products.

Grow Natives - Grow
native plants in your lawn and garden but obtain the plants from local
nurseries, do not dig up native plants from natural areas.